Hailing from New Zealand, the author Nicola Claire is a well regarded novelist of paranormal fantasy and historical fiction, with elements of science-fiction too. Creating vast and expansive worlds, her imagination knows no bounds, really providing the reader with a sense of escapism, as she takes them on a journey. Establishing finely crafted characters too, she really knows how to create living breathing protagonists, along with well drawn secondary characters too.

Early and Personal Life

Growing up in New Zealand, the future author to be Nicola Claire would show a strong fascination of literature from an early age. This would progress throughout the years, as she’d begin to focus on romance stories, something which she would develop, leading to her becoming a real master of her craft. It would also be a passion that she would continue to nurture throughout her school life as well, building upon it, as she learned to write for a mass-market audience.

This would continue through into her working life too, thus arriving at the bestselling novelist that she currently is today. Previously working as a bank teller, a paramedic and medical sales representative, she would gain a lot of material to draw from as inspiration over the years too. Still writing to this very day, she continues to put out work at a regular and ever consistent pace, writing from her home in Taupo, New Zealand, alongside her husband with their two young sons.

Writing Career

Bringing out her first book in 2012, Nicola Claire would make her big debut with the novel ‘Kindred’ in 2012. This would also be the first in the long-running series, also titled Kindred, which would subsequently be her first franchise as well. She would later follow this up with a number of other series as well, including the ‘Mixed Blessing Mystery’ novels in 2013 and the ‘Sweet Seduction’ series that same year, to name but a few.

Releasing over forty books so far and counting, Claire has become a highly prolific writer in a relatively short amount of time, making waves throughout the literary industry. All of this then lead to her receiving a number of awards and nominations too, as she would gain acclaim from both critics and the general public alike. With a lot more to come still, she is definitely not going anywhere soon, as she is definitely a writer worth watching in the following years to come.

Giver of Light

First brought out in 2012 on the 25th of June, this would initially come out in ebook format to a highly receptive audience. Providing the fourth book in the ‘Kindred’ series of novels, this would continue on directly from the previous novels with the next instalment in the franchise. It would later be followed up with the novel ‘Dancing Dragon’, which was also released in 2012, taking the series forwards as a whole.

Dealing with the more traditional tropes of classic fantasy fiction, Claire really manages to inject her own sense of personality into them, ultimately making them her own. She also provides this sense of agency to each of her characters, namely that found in her leading protagonist Lucinda, who definitely leaps off the page for the reader. Using a variety of exciting locations as well, she definitely manages to make the story come to life, with the environments reflecting the internal plights of her characters. It also manages to create an exciting and tense storyline that carries the reader along with both wit and intelligence in equal measure.

Lucinda is coming to terms with the prophecy in regards to her own life and what effect it is having on her own being. Wanting to remain true to herself as an individual, she is also under threat from the American Families of Vampires, as they appear to be closing in on her. Not only that, but one of them has also apparently ‘claimed’ her as his own, insisting she is nobody else’s, aiming to take her himself. This has pitted Lucinda against the elements, as it seems she has a battle ahead of her if she is to retain her own sense of self and individuality in the face of insurmountable odds. That’s when the Queen of Darkness steps into the fray, looking to ensure that darkness reigns supreme, as light and dark seek to battle it out. What will become of this classic fight of good versus evil? Will Lucinda be able to retain her own individuality amidst all the chaos? Who will be the giver of light?

Citizen

Published through ebook format once again, this was first released in 2014 on the 31st of October to much acclaim. Following on from the previous titles, this would be the third book in ‘The Citizen Saga’ series of novels, all set in the same dystopian world. This would also later be followed up with the novel ‘Masked’ in 2016, which would provide the fourth book in the now highly popular franchise.

Set in a totalitarian dystopia, this is a series that combines science-fiction fantasy with pure romance and adventure. Allowing all her characters to speak for themselves, Claire brings each of them to life, from Selena Carstairs and her former life of non-conformist abundance, to the leader of the revolution Trent Masters and his own rugged individuality. This creates for an exciting and tense series, something which Claire highlights through her rich and vibrant world, and how her characters play off of it. Really understanding the material and having fun with it, she transports the reader, making them feel that they are fully a part of the action.

All prepared for a big change following the destruction of none other than the Chief Overseers’ Palace, the Wanmei streets are still just as dangerous to move about in. Lurking deep within the shadows there, the confirmed revolutionary member Lena Carr is hoping to continue undermining authority however she can. Wanmei leaders are determined to retain the status-quo, keeping everyone under the false impression that their society is perfect and infallible, as the rebels seek to counter-act their propaganda techniques by any means necessary. Leading a rebel army against the powers that be is one Trent Masters, but first he needs Lena helping him by his side if he ever hopes to have any success. Will they manage to gain the freedom that they so desire? What will become of Lena and Trent’s relationship? Who is the perfect citizen?

All Gabriel Allon fans will be eagerly anticipating this one - your favourite spy is back in The New Girl, coming to bookshelves in mid-July. In this one, a girl is kidnapped from an exclusive private school in Switzerland and Gabriel Allon is brought on board to find her. More Details.

Recommendations

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Featured Series

if you are a fan of Jack Reacher you need to read the "Peter Ash" series by Nick Petrie. Endorsed by Lee Child himself, this is a fantastic book series and is the best recommendation I can give for any fans of Reacher. More details.

Featured Author

If you’re a fan of standalone thrillers then be sure to read any of the standalones by Brad Parks. The guy is a master! I’ve read over 50 different authors of standalone thrillers in the last year and no-one stands out like Brad. More Details.

Did You Know…

Andy McNab was born on 28 December 1959. Found abandoned on the steps of Guy's Hospital in Southwark in a Harrods shopping bag, he was brought up in Peckham, with his adoptive family. He did not do well in school, dropped out and worked at various odd jobs, usually for friends and relatives, and was involved in petty criminality, finally being arrested for burglary in 1976.